Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven: the dawn of a new era. By melding past triumphs and future technologies, the Mercedes-Benz brand has long been emblematic of automotive luxury and cutting-edge innovation. Yet, it is in the present day that this pioneering spirit truly takes flight, with the announcement of the Vision One-Eleven.
Born from a reverential nod to the revolutionary Mercedes C111 experimental vehicles of yesteryears, this ultra-modern supercar magnificently blends classic design cues with the latest in automotive technology, delivering an unequivocally superior motoring experience.
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The Mercedes C111: A Legend Revisited
Half a century ago, Mercedes-Benz broke the mold with the C 111, an experimental vehicle that introduced unprecedented concepts into the automotive world.
With its unconventional mid-engine sports car design and testing of groundbreaking technologies like the Wankel and turbodiesel engines, as well as polymer-based body shells, the C 111 served as the bedrock for many of today’s automotive advancements. It is this iconic legend that the Vision One-Eleven seeks to celebrate, while redefining what it means to be a 21st-century supercar.
Welcome the Vision One-Eleven: The Embodiment of Power, Luxury, and Innovation
The Vision One-Eleven represents a unique fusion of power and style that only a brand like Mercedes-Benz could craft. Its silhouette, defined by the brand’s signature One-Bow design, encapsulates the spirit of athleticism and forward momentum.
This distinctive design ethos, which seamlessly flows from the car’s streamlined front to its muscular rear, bestows upon the 1,170 mm-high vehicle an air of aesthetic prowess and mechanical refinement.
The Power of Sustainability: Embracing the All-Electric Revolution
Mercedes-Benz has a history of pushing boundaries, and the powertrain technology of the Vision One-Eleven is no exception.
YASA axial flux electric motor compared to common radial flux motor
Building upon the brand’s dedication to sustainable mobility, this futuristic vehicle is propelled by an ultra-efficient axial-flux motor, developed by British electric motor specialist and Mercedes-Benz subsidiary, YASA. This ensures not only an exhilarating driving experience but also significantly reduced carbon emissions, marrying performance with environmental stewardship.
“Axial-flux motors are significantly lighter and more compact, yet more powerful than comparable radial-flux motors currently used in 99 percent of all electric cars. In an axial-flux motor, the electromagnetic flow runs parallel to the motor’s rotational axis, which is highly efficient.
In a radial-flux motor, the flow runs perpendicular to the rotational axis. Compared to radial-flux motors, they have considerably higher and more enduring power reserves, which delivers a whole new level of performance.” said Tim Woolmer, Founder and Chief Technology Officer of YASA
External Design: Where Heritage Meets Modernity
The exterior of the Vision One-Eleven is an engineering marvel, combining advanced aerodynamics with visually stunning aesthetics. The striking One-Bow design, complemented by the vibrant copper-orange alubeam paintwork, echoes the distinctive hue of the classic C 111.
With the unique property to change color under different lighting conditions, this hue not only emphasizes quality and detail but also adds an intriguing allure to the car’s overall appearance.
“Design icons like the Type 300 SL and C 111 – both with gullwing doors – are part of our DNA. These legendary vehicles were major inspirations for the iconic design of the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven. This is beauty and the extraordinary united in one vision of the future.
Our all-electric vision show car is the modern-day interpretation of the C 111, which was avant-garde at the time. The element of surprise comes from its exceptionally clean, purist and, at the same time, extremely muscular proportions. This iconic clarity is also reflected in the interior.” said Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer, Mercedes-Benz Group AG
Rethinking the Interior: The Intersection of Luxury and Excitement
Inside the Vision One-Eleven, Mercedes-Benz delivers a first in sports car design: an interior lounge concept. This innovative approach fuses the exhilaration of a high-performance car with the tranquillity and luxury of a high-end lounge. Through intelligent design, quality materials, and state-of-the-art technology, the brand elevates the concept of the sports car interior to unprecedented heights.
A Revolutionary User Interface: Merging Reality and Digital Imagination
In keeping with the vehicle’s commitment to technological innovation, the Vision One-Eleven introduces a cutting-edge user interface based on the Magic Leap 2 augmented reality (AR) headset. This groundbreaking technology layers high-definition digital content onto the physical environment inside the car, blurring the line between reality and the digital world.
This results in a driving experience that is immersive, intuitive, and as innovative as the Vision One-Eleven itself.
“The Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven combines breathtaking design with groundbreaking powertrain technology. Like its historical namesake, it explores new paths for the future of sporting performance. At the heart of the compact and extremely efficient powertrain is the innovative YASA axial-flux high-tech electric motor. It offers a motorsport-like power output from a considerably smaller package.
This makes the YASA axial-flux motor ideal for electric high-performance vehicles. Combined with the liquid-cooled cylindrical-cell battery with Formula-1 inspired cell chemistry, the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven is yet another proof point for the broad performance spectrum encompassed by our four-pronged development strategy for electric drive.” said Markus Schäfer, Mercedes-Benz Group AG Chief Technology Officer.
Magic Leap 2: The Future of Automotive User Interaction
The Magic Leap 2 headset delivers a wholly unique, personalized interaction platform for the driver and passengers. Its primary feature is the mixed reality holographic user interface (UI), designed by Magic Leap and Daimler AG. This technology overlays the real world with digital data, allowing drivers to navigate, access information, and interact with the vehicle in an entirely novel and immersive way.
The headset’s AR capabilities also enable occupants to customize their experience, from changing the interior ambiance to accessing a range of entertainment options.
A New Chapter in Mercedes-Benz’s Legacy
Mercedes-Benz’s announcement of the Vision One-Eleven is more than just the launch of a new luxury sports car. It represents a testament to the brand’s legacy, celebrating its rich history while simultaneously projecting it into the future of mobility.
As the first step into this exciting future, the Vision One-Eleven heralds a new era of automotive innovation, once again positioning Mercedes-Benz at the forefront of luxury and performance.
